BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Incomati & Maputo Watercourse Commission, INMACOM Chairperson and South Africa Commissioner, Duduzile Mthembu, has applauded Eswatini for putting pen to paper in endorsing the GEF 8 project.
“I wish to particularly commend the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the three Member States throughout the project preparation process. The signing of the Project Document by all participating countries reflects strong political will and regional solidarity,” said Commissioner, Silo Kheva, from the Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa who delivered remarks on behalf of the chairperson.
As they move into implementation, she said it will be important to maintain this momentum by ensuring:
• Strong coordination among institutions and sectors;
• Meaningful stakeholder participation at all levels;
• Effective financial and project management;
• Transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms; and
• Continuous knowledge sharing and learning.
“The success of this initiative will not be measured only by reports, studies, or meetings, but by the lasting impact it creates for the people and ecosystems of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins. Our collective efforts should contribute towards resilient communities, healthier ecosystems, strengthened institutions, and sustainable regional development.”
Mthembu called for the use of this platform to build trust, deepen cooperation, and strengthen shared commitment to integrated transboundary water resources management.
She expressed gratitude to all development partners, technical experts, stakeholders, and organising teams whose dedication had brought them to the important stage.
“I wish this project to run its intended course with successful outcomes, so that the people on the ground can meaningfully benefit from its implementation and long-term impact.”
She extended sincere appreciation to the Government of Kingdom of Eswatini for hosting them at Ezulwini and to all partners and stakeholders who had travelled to participate in this important milestone meeting.
“Today marks not only the formal launch of the GEF 8 project, but also the beginning of a renewed and strengthened regional commitment towards sustainable, inclusive, and cooperative management of our shared water resources,” she said.
The chairperson said the Incomati and Maputo River Basins were vital lifelines for the three Member States. They support millions of people through agriculture, energy production, biodiversity conservation, domestic water supply, industry, tourism, and ecosystem services.
At the same time, she said, these basins face increasing pressures arising from climate variability, population growth, environmental degradation, competing water demands, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
These challenges, she noted, transcend national borders. Therefore, she said their response must equally transcend borders through cooperation, shared responsibility, and collective action.
“The launch of this project by the Global Environment Facility and its implementation through UNDP, in partnership with GWPSA and under the custodianship of INMACOM, demonstrates the confidence of the international community in our shared vision for regional integration and sustainable basin management.”
She said they were encouraged by the official commencement of the project on May 28, 2026, and by the successful inception activities that took place since the conceptualisation of the project.
She said the activities that have taken place reaffirmed the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation, enhancing scientific knowledge, promoting inclusive stakeholder participation, and advancing sustainable livelihood initiatives across the basin.
She said the project was ambitious and timely. Through its various components, it seeks to strengthen governance frameworks, improve data and knowledge systems, support strategic basin and coastal planning, mobilise investments, and create tangible benefits for communities through gender-sensitive livelihood interventions.
Importantly, the project embraces the source-to-sea approach, recognising the interconnectedness between upstream and downstream ecosystems, land and water resources, and human and environmental wellbeing. This integrated perspective, she said, is essential if they are to ensure long-term water, food, energy, and environmental security in the region.
She noted that the establishment of this project was therefore critical. As the highest decision-making body of the project, the GEF 8 will provide strategic guidance, oversight, coordination, and accountability throughout the implementation period.
#Eswatini #SouthAfrica #Mozambique #Government #GEF8 #Incomati #MaputoBasin #INMACOM
